Supporting someone with mental health issues can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure where to start. You might wonder, “Am I saying the right thing?” or “How can I help them feel better without intruding?” We’ll explore ways you can support a loved one on their mental health journey, with tips on offering encouragement, promoting healthy lifestyle choices, and even introducing neurofeedback as a unique therapy option.
Why Support Matters
Being there for someone struggling with mental health isn’t about “fixing” them; it’s about showing compassion and helping them feel less alone. Your support can be the reassuring presence they need during difficult times. In many cases, just feeling supported can be the difference between better or worse outcomes for individuals struggling with their mental health (Wang et al., 2018).
Understanding Mental Health Basics For Better Support
Mental health struggles can range from depression and anxiety to bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress. While each person’s experience is unique, it can help to know a bit about your loved one’s condition to better understand what they might be going through. However, there are also some general ways to offer support to a friend or family member struggling with mental health.
Encouraging Open Communication
Communication can help a loved one feel understood and validated. By creating a safe, judgment-free space for them to share their feelings, you show that they’re not alone in their struggles. Talking with your friends or family can also help you better understand their needs and challenges, allowing you to offer more meaningful support. It can strengthen trust, helping them feel comfortable seeking help and discussing their progress without fear of stigma or criticism.
Practice Active Listening to Better Support Mental Health
Creating a safe space for open communication means listening without jumping in to solve problems. Make eye contact, nod, and give them room to share. Avoid interrupting, and instead, validate their feelings by saying things like, “That sounds really difficult, thank you for sharing with me.”
Show Empathy and Compassion
Supporting someone with mental health issues requires patience and empathy. A simple “I’m here for you” or “I believe you” can go a long way. Even if you don’t fully understand their experience, expressing that you care makes a world of difference.
Respecting Their Boundaries
Everyone handles mental health challenges differently. Some people may need space, while others might want to talk things out. Respect their preferences, even if it means taking a step back and allowing them time to process on their own terms.
Creating a Non-Judgmental Environment
Fostering a non-judgmental space is crucial for supporting someone with mental health struggles. This means avoiding statements like, “Just cheer up” or “It’s not that bad.” Mental health challenges are complex, and these phrases can unintentionally invalidate their experience.
Promoting Healthy Lifestyle Choices Together
Healthy lifestyle habits—like going for a walk, getting enough sleep, and eating well—can make a difference in managing mental health (Lifestyle to Support Mental Health, n.d.). Invite your loved one to join you for a morning walk or try a new recipe together. These little activities can improve mood without making it feel like “treatment.”
Encouraging Them to Set Small, Achievable Goals
Mental health recovery is often a journey, and it’s rarely a quick fix. Help your loved one by encouraging them to set small, realistic goals, like journaling a few times a week or making it to one therapy session at a time. Small steps can gradually build confidence and resilience.
Celebrating Small Wins
Did they make it through a tough day? Attend their therapy appointment? Celebrate these victories! Acknowledge the small wins along the way, as these positive reinforcements can boost their motivation to keep going.
Taking Care of Yourself While Supporting Mental Health
Supporting someone through mental health challenges can be emotionally taxing. It’s important to check in with your own well-being and set boundaries if needed. Consider talking to a therapist or counselor for advice on how to best support your loved one while maintaining your mental health.
Understanding Warning Signs
While being supportive is key, knowing when to seek professional help is also crucial. If your loved one talks about feeling hopeless or shows signs of withdrawing from activities, consider gently suggesting they talk to a mental health professional.
Why Therapy Can Be Life-Changing for Supporting Mental Health
Therapy offers a safe space for people to unpack their feelings and find coping tools. There are various therapy options, from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to group therapy and holistic approaches like mindfulness. Each type can offer unique benefits depending on individual needs.
Exploring Neurofeedback as a Therapy Option
One emerging therapy option you may consider discussing with your loved one is neurofeedback. Neurofeedback uses real-time monitoring of brain activity to help individuals gain better control over their mental processes. It’s shown promising results for conditions like anxiety (Hou et al., 2021), ADHD (McReynolds et al., 2018), and even PTSD (Kolk et al., 2016). By training the brain to self-regulate, neurofeedback can be an empowering option for people looking to improve their mental well-being in a non-invasive way, without the use of medication.
Being a Steady Source of Support for a Loved One’s Mental Health Journey
Supporting a loved one through mental health struggles requires patience, empathy, and respect for their individual journey. While you can’t solve their problems, being a consistent, non-judgmental presence can make all the difference. Remember, you’re not alone in this either—there are resources and support systems available for you too.
References
Hou, Y., Zhang, S., Li, N., Huang, Z., Wang, L., & Wang, Y. (2021). Neurofeedback training improves anxiety trait and depressive symptom in GAD. Brain and Behavior, 11(3), e02024. https://doi.org/10.1002/brb3.2024
Kolk, B. A. van der, Hodgdon, H., Gapen, M., Musicaro, R., Suvak, M. K., Hamlin, E., & Spinazzola, J. (2016). A randomized controlled study of neurofeedback for chronic ptsd. PLOS ONE, 11(12), e0166752. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0166752
Lifestyle to support mental health. (n.d.). Retrieved November 8, 2024, from https://www.psychiatry.org:443/patients-families/lifestyle-to-support-mental-health
McReynolds, C. J., Villalpando, L. S., & Britt, C. E. (2018). Using neurofeedback to improve adhd symptoms in school-aged children. NeuroRegulation, 5(4), 109–109. https://doi.org/10.15540/nr.5.4.109
Wang, J., Mann, F., Lloyd-Evans, B., Ma, R., & Johnson, S. (2018). Associations between loneliness and perceived social support and outcomes of mental health problems: A systematic review. BMC Psychiatry, 18(1), 156. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-018-1736-5
